Finding of Emergency Section 5204 , Occupational Exposures to Respirable Crystalline Silica Business Meeting : December 14 , 2023 Page 26 of 36 o New subsection ( f )( 2 )( D ) 2 ., activities that involve handling dry dust that is likely to contain crystalline silica ; o New subsection ( f )( 2 )( D ) 3 ., relying on employee rotation to reduce employee exposure to RCS ; and o New subsection ( f )( 2 )( D ) 4 ., walking or moving equipment through any material that may contain crystalline silica .
• This provision is necessary because the dust generated during fabrication of artificial stone and certain natural stones is uniquely hazardous , and the activities listed are likely to result in significant employee exposures to RCS . Providing the express prohibitions listed here will improve understanding among employers and employees regarding the risks associated with these tasks .
• The proposed emergency regulation would amend the existing subsection ( f )( 2 ), Written exposure control plan , to a renumbered ( f )( 3 ) that includes a new subsection ( f )( 3 )( D ) that requires additional elements in the written exposure control plan .
• These elements include the following : o New subsection ( f )( 3 )( D ) 1 ., a record of exposure measurements demonstrating that exposure levels are continuously below the AL . This element is necessary to ensure that RCS exposure controls are working effectively . o New subsection ( f )( 3 )( D ) 2 ., procedures for proper donning and doffing of work clothing and respiratory protection . This element is necessary because these activities can cause significant employee exposure to RCS if done improperly . o New subsection ( f )( 3 )( D ) 3 ., documentation that the employer has registered their operations with Cal / OSHA in accordance with section 5203 , Carcinogen Report of Use Requirements . This element is necessary to allow Cal / OSHA to identify and track stone fabrication shops . o New subsection ( f )( 3 )( D ) 4 ., procedures the employer will use to ensure that employees are properly trained to prevent silica exposures in accordance with subsection ( k )( 4 ). This is necessary to ensure that training procedures are formally adopted into the employer ’ s written exposure control plan , which improves their effectiveness .